Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a United Nations inquiry released Monday. The report details growing concerns over widespread suffering as winter approaches. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found evidence that deliberate attacks targeting energy facilities have left millions without essential services. It also found evidence of deceptive practices in the recruitment of foreign nationals into the Russian armed forces.
Systematic Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure
The UN commission’s report details a pattern of attacks on heating plants, power lines, and gas facilities. These attacks began in the autumn of 2022 and intensified during the winter of 2025-2026. The commission concluded the attacks aimed to deprive civilians of essential energy supplies, causing significant suffering. Al Jazeera reported the frequency and intensity of these attacks increased over time. This inflicted substantial damage on Ukraine’s energy sector.
⚡️️️️️️️Russia's assault on Ukraine's energy grid is a war crime, UN says. Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure, which weaponize winter to inflict suffering, amount to war crimes, a UN inquiry has found.https://t.co/xoCg4bzr8v
During the winter of 2025-2026, temperatures dropped to -21 degrees Celsius (-5.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Millions were left without heating, electricity, water, and gas, according to the report.
Attacks Classified as Crimes Against Humanity
The commission determined these attacks constitute war crimes as they intentionally targeted civilian objects. They also qualify as crimes against humanity, specifically other inhumane acts,
because of the great suffering inflicted on the civilian population. The OHCHR stated Russian authorities had even made official declarations concerning further attacks and a plan to carry them out.
I held a coordination call on the situation with weapons supplies from our partners and efforts to restore energy infrastructure following Russian strikes. Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi reported on the work underway in the regions. I thank every repair crew and all energy… pic.twitter.com/5lGjcp7Q0i
Commission chair Erik Mose expressed concern that attacks have intensified as winter approaches. This poses serious threats to civilian lives and health, according to Al Jazeera.
Report Details Deceptive Recruitment of Foreign Fighters
The UN inquiry found compelling evidence that Russian authorities recruit foreign nationals into the armed forces using deceptive or coercive means. The commission found evidence involving citizens from 29 countries, classifying these actions as human trafficking. Ukrinform reported that recruits often came from vulnerable and marginalized communities with limited economic opportunities.
The latest report of the UN Commission of Inquiry confirms what Ukrainians have experienced for years: Russia's systematic attacks on civilian energy infrastructure constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.Having failed to achieve its aggressive aims on the…
The report detailed how men were lured with false promises of work. They were then compelled to fight in Ukraine, with some receiving accelerated Russian citizenship as an incentive.
Ukraine Welcomes Report, Calls for Accountability
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UN report, highlighting its importance as winter approaches. The ministry stated the findings demonstrate Russia’s deliberate attempt to weaponize cold and darkness against Ukrainian civilians. According to Ua News, the ministry called on the international community to strengthen support for Ukraine. It also called for accountability for the international crimes committed.
The report will be submitted to the UN General Assembly for consideration.
Attacks Continue Amid Report’s Release
Despite the report’s findings, Russia continues its attacks. On Monday, a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia injured four people, Al Jazeera reported. The Russian Ministry of Defence, in turn, accused Ukraine of attacks on the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky.
🎤 Guterres warns against a new US-Iran escalation🎤 DR Congo: Ebola nurse killed as outbreak continues to spread @WHO🎤 Ukraine probe insists Russia committed war crimes in attacks on civilians https://t.co/taMmAmwkKU
The UN inquiry’s findings align with reports from other sources, including the Associated Press. The AP similarly detailed the systematic targeting of energy infrastructure and the recruitment of foreign fighters.
Limitations to the Investigation
The commission noted it was unable to fully investigate the impact of the attacks due to a lack of access and responses from the Russian Federation. The report also does not detail the full extent of the recruitment network.
The exact number of foreign nationals involved remains unclear, leaving questions unanswered about the scope of this practice.